Cafs

Cafs Cafs has been supporting children and families as a proudly independent organisation for 160 years. Cafs also provides Foster and Kinship Care services.

In that time, we have expanded to deliver nearly 50 support programs designed to meet the needs of people across the Victorian Central Highlands. We partner with our community to make a lasting difference in the lives of children, young people, families and individuals who need our support. Our goal is to give every person we support the best opportunity to live in a safe and nurturing family. Eac

h year, we provide help and support to more than 6,800 individuals and families across the Grampians and Central Highlands regions of western Victoria. We deliver a broad range of support programs including financial and gambling support, family support, youth support and housing and homelessness support. Cafs is a proudly independent community service organisation and we value your feedback. Please contact us at www.cafs.org.au/feedback and tell us about your experience with Cafs.

As a member of the Central Highlands Homelessness Alliance, Cafs are proud to be supporting the Youth Homelessness Matte...
19/03/2026

As a member of the Central Highlands Homelessness Alliance, Cafs are proud to be supporting the Youth Homelessness Matters Day ‘Pay It Forward’ event in April.

How it works:
⒈ Between the 13th & 17th of April visit the following cafes:
The Salty Sparrow Cafe Ballarat
Homeground Cafe
1816_Bakehouse
Naomi & I Ballarat

⒉ Buy a meal for yourself
⒊ ‘Pay It Forward’ by... Purchasing an extra menu item or Donate any amount you like!
⒋ All ‘Pay It Forward’ meals will go to local young people in need

Across the Central Highlands, our Alliance have identified an alarming increase in the number of young people at risk of or experiencing homelessness seeking food assistance.

Whilst there are complex systemic issues experienced by young people who are rough sleeping, it is felt that improving access to a nutritious meal is something that can be done now and with immediate impact.

QHub offers support to LGBTQIA+ young people in Victoria. Cafs delivers this service in partnership with Drummond Street...
18/03/2026

QHub offers support to LGBTQIA+ young people in Victoria. Cafs delivers this service in partnership with Drummond Street Services.

Get the care you need, in a space where you’re always welcome.

Learn more by calling 1800 692 237 or visiting https://cafs.org.au/our-services/q-hub

As a member of the Central Highlands Homelessness Alliance, Cafs are proud to be supporting the Youth Homelessness Matte...
17/03/2026

As a member of the Central Highlands Homelessness Alliance, Cafs are proud to be supporting the Youth Homelessness Matters Day ‘Pay It Forward’ event in April.

How it works:
⒈ Between the 13th & 17th of April visit the following cafes:
The Salty Sparrow Cafe Ballarat
Homeground Cafe
1816_Bakehouse
Naomi & i Ballarat

⒉ Buy a meal for yourself
⒊ ‘Pay It Forward’ by... Purchasing an extra menu item or Donate any amount you like!
⒋ All ‘Pay It Forward’ meals will go to local young people in need

Across the Central Highlands, our Alliance have identified an alarming increase in the number of young people at risk of or experiencing homelessness seeking food assistance.

Whilst there are complex systemic issues experienced by young people who are rough sleeping, it is felt that improving access to a nutritious meal is something that can be done now and with immediate impact.

Today we celebrate World Social Work Day.Social work is about creating meaningful change, and today we recognise the ded...
16/03/2026

Today we celebrate World Social Work Day.

Social work is about creating meaningful change, and today we recognise the dedicated professionals who make a difference in people's lives. We wish to extend a heartfelt thank you to all our Cafs team members for their care and support of the communities we work in.

The theme for this year, ‘Co-Building Hope and Harmony: A Harambee Call to Unite a Divided Society’, highlights the vital role of social work in bringing people together across communities, cultures, and systems to shape a more inclusive and sustainable tomorrow.

If you're interested in the work we do and would like to get involved, see our current open positions on our website >> https://cafs.org.au/work-with-us/open-positions

Better Futures supports young people aged 15 years 9 months to 21 as they transition from care to independent adulthood....
12/03/2026

Better Futures supports young people aged 15 years 9 months to 21 as they transition from care to independent adulthood.

Tailored to individual needs, the program helps with housing, education, employment and life skills, empowering young people to build on their strengths and achieve their goals.

To learn more call 1800 692 237 or visit https://cafs.org.au/our-services/youth-care -Futures

We’re proud to be part of the national conversation on ending men’s family violence. Cafs CEO, Wendy Sturgess, is attend...
11/03/2026

We’re proud to be part of the national conversation on ending men’s family violence.

Cafs CEO, Wendy Sturgess, is attending the No to Violence 2026 National Conference, alongside people with lived experience, practitioners, policymakers and advocates committed to real, lasting change.

Today, she heard from experts exploring masculinity, the role of corporates, and the gaps that still exist across systems and research, critical conversations that underscore the complexity of this work.

From local practice to national strategy, these discussions help ensure the voices of regional communities inform the systems intended to keep women and children safe.

Meet Gurman 👋🏻Gurman is our Information Technology System Engineer and one of the many wonderful people who make up the ...
10/03/2026

Meet Gurman 👋🏻

Gurman is our Information Technology System Engineer and one of the many wonderful people who make up the Cafs team. He works behind the scenes to ensure all our technology and systems run smoothly.

From solving complex problems to improving efficiency and making sure everything works seamlessly, Gurman plays a vital role in keeping the Cafs team connected, empowered, and ready to make a difference every day.

Happy International Women’s Day! This year’s theme is Give To Gain—because when we give support, knowledge, time or enco...
07/03/2026

Happy International Women’s Day! This year’s theme is Give To Gain—because when we give support, knowledge, time or encouragement, women thrive, and we all rise.

Show your solidarity by striking the Give To Gain pose: with cupped hands out front, universally we signify the act of giving and receiving.

Every act of generosity creates a ripple effect for gender equality. How will you today?

Thinking about fostering? Cafs has supported hundreds of carers across the Central Highlands region. Our Foster Care FAQ...
07/03/2026

Thinking about fostering? Cafs has supported hundreds of carers across the Central Highlands region.

Our Foster Care FAQs answer your most common questions, so you can take the next step with confidence.

Visit https://cafs.org.au/foster-care/foster-care-faq to view the FAQs and learn more about becoming a foster carer.

Congratulations to our CEO, Wendy Sturgess, on being recognised by Foundation as one of the Great Women of Ballarat 202...
06/03/2026

Congratulations to our CEO, Wendy Sturgess, on being recognised by Foundation as one of the Great Women of Ballarat 2026.

This award is a wonderful acknowledgement of Wendy’s leadership, but anyone who works alongside her knows that she is always quick to shine the light on others. At Cafs, Wendy continually reminds us that real impact comes from the collective effort of passionate people working together for children, young people and families in our community and across the region.

Congratulations Wendy on this very well deserved honour.

Managing your finances doesn’t have to be stressful. Cafs’ Financial Capability Program offers free coaching and practic...
05/03/2026

Managing your finances doesn’t have to be stressful.

Cafs’ Financial Capability Program offers free coaching and practical guidance tailored to your unique situation.

Learn to budget, set savings goals and make informed financial decisions. Appointments in person, over the phone or via video call.

Learn more by calling 1800 692 237 or visiting https://cafs.org.au/our-services/financial-wellbeing -Capability-Program

Cafs is honoured to stand alongside Women's Health Grampians and our wider community in supporting the installation of t...
04/03/2026

Cafs is honoured to stand alongside Women's Health Grampians and our wider community in supporting the installation of the She Matters mural in Ballarat.

This powerful and deeply moving project by Sherele Moody and the RED HEART Movement honours the lives of women lost to violence and ensures their stories remain visible. Monday’s installation brought together families, volunteers and community members in an emotional and uplifting act of collective remembrance and hope.

We are humbled to support the ongoing work to prevent violence in all its forms. Our heartfelt thanks go to the families who shared their love and grief, and to everyone who contributed to bringing She Matters to Ballarat.

May this space prompt reflection, compassion, and a shared commitment to a future free from violence against women.

Address

115 Lydiard Street North
Ballarat, VIC
3350

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+61353373333

Website

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